The Relationship Between Occupational Stress and Job-Related Risks in the Steel Industry

Abstract

Background and Aim: High occupational stress reduces the workers’ concentrations and decision-making power. In industries with high risks in term of exposure to hazards, there may be negative consequence. This study aimed to investigate relationship between Occupational Stress (OS) and the job-related risks in the steel industry. Methods & Materials: This is a descriptive-analytical study with cross-sectional design carried out in a steel industry located in Lorestan province of Iran in 2017. For risk and OS assessments, the Melbourne University’s 3D risk assessment model and the United Kingdom's Health and Safety Executive (HSE) questionnaire were used. Statistical analysis was performed by using Pearson correlation and Kruskal-Wallis tests in SPSS V. 22. Ethical Considerations: This study was approved by Ethics Committee of Arak University of Medical Sciences with the Code: IR.NREC.007.1394.05. Results: A total of 182 job-related risks were identified for 14 job titles. 19.3% of subjects had high OS level. The risk rank had a statistically significant correlation with overall OS score (P=0.03), and OS dimensions of control (P=0.02) and demand (P=0.02). There was no significant difference between the mean OS score and age, work experience, educational level. Conclusion: Due to the relationship of risk amount and OS among workers in the steel industry, Planning to control stressors in the workplace and managing occupational risks by reducing the likelihood and consequence of job-related risks seems essential.

Keywords

• risk assessment
• occupational stress
• steel industry